Sammi’s Daily: Capitals Check-Ins, Penguins Believe They’ve Gotten Better

It’s an exciting day here at Washington Hockey Now, as we head back to the rink for the NHLPA Rookie Showcase. The Washington Capitals are lending their practice facility to Upper Deck, the NHL and NHLPA as the top prospects and rookies mix at MedStar Capitals Iceplex.

No. 1 pick Juraj Slafkovsky, along with Seattle Kraken prospect Shane Wright, 2021 first-overall selection Owen Power and more will be in attendance. Representing the Capitals: Hendrix Lapierre. The 22nd overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, Lapierre has been making noise in Washington in hopes of earning a full-time residency at the pro level following an assignment to juniors last year.

In the meantime, the Capitals are still hitting the ice for informal skates, and a familiar name is due back in D.C. in 24 hours. All the while, trade rumors continue to brew league wide, and some free agents are finding late homes.

Here are the latest news and notes from the District and across the NHL:

Washington Capitals Links

• New Washington goaltender Charlie Lindgren hit the ice back at his alma mater St. Cloud State for some training with fellow pro alum. (WHN)
• How is the Capitals rink built at Capital One Arena as the season kicks off in September and goes until at least April? We break it down. (WHN)
• Recapping some of the offseason moves. (Japers’ Rink)

NHL Links

• The Penguins believe that they have gotten better this offseason as they look to return to their high standards, stay in playoff position and, more importantly, win a playoff series for the first time since 2018, when Washington eliminated them in Round 2. Pittsburgh Penguins (PHN)
• Who will win the Calder Trophy in 2022-23? Will it go to Wright after all? The Red Wings team takes a look. Detroit Red Wings (DHN)
• Aätu Raty is a man on a mission as he looks to establish himself as a top prospect. New York Islanders. (NYIHN)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

• As free agency continues, Brett Connolly has found a new home overseas. After taking part in informal skates with the Capitals, he signed in Switzerland with HC Lugano.
• He’s not the only former Washington player to head overseas — he joins Tobias Geisser, the defensive prospect who elected to head back home with EV Zugs rather than continue his pro development in North America.
• In personal news: so pumped to be back at the rink as the season returns soon.